Last Sunday was the Fourth Sunday of Easter and the Gospel reading was from John’s Gospel. In this reading, John uses the analogy of the sheepfold. In the reading, Jesus describes those who enter the sheepfold by climbing over the fence as thieves and robbers. He says that it is he who enters through the gate that is the shepherd of the sheep. In understanding the message of this reading, it is important to note that in those times, sheepfolds had only very small wall of stone or branches and many flocks of sheep would be herded together to spend the night. Shepherds were only allowed to enter through the front gate by the gatekeeper or person who owned or oversaw the sheepfold. The sheep knew it was time to move by knowing their shepherd’s voice and they would only respond to that voice. The shepherd would call and lead them from the sheepfold and they would follow. The sheep would not follow the voice of a stranger. Jesus said that he was the gatekeeper and those that entered through his gate were safe.

“The truth of the matter is, I am the sheep gate. All who came before meWere thieves and marauders whom the sheep did not heed.I am the gate; whoever enters through me will be safe- you will go in and out and find pasture. The thief comes only to steal and slaughter and destroy.I came that you may have life, and have it to the full!” (John 10: 7-10)

Sometimes in the busyness of our own lives, it is a good thing to take some time to reflect and ask ourselves: who are our shepherds? Likewise, in times when we are the shepherd: who are our sheep? The last line of this John’s Gospel reading is very well known – “I came that you may have life, and have it to the full”. As parents or significant adults (shepherds) in the lives of our young men, it is an interesting consideration to reflect upon: how do we support them to live life to the full. Our young men are growing up in a world that relies heavily on media and wide spread channels of communication. They are constantly “wired” to others or types of media. Very often the news that they take in or the communications that they are a part of, can be quite negative. Maybe sometimes being the good shepherd might be about reminding them what they have to be grateful for and they know that your “voice” is familiar and safe. Whilst adolescents can be difficult to communicate with at times, or appear to be disinterested, it is my belief that they would love to be reminded of this on a regular basis.

The month of May has been set aside asDomestic and Family Violence Awareness Month. This topic has rightly received national coverage over more recent years. The following basic statistics from the Domestic Violence Centre highlight the prevalence and severity of violence against women:

• On average at least one woman a week is killed by a partner or former partner in Australia.
• One in three Australian women has experienced physical violence since the age of 15.
• One in five Australian women has experienced sexual violence.
• One in four Australian women has experienced physical or sexual violence by an intimate partner.
• One in four Australian women has experienced emotional abuse by a current or former partner.
• Women are at least three times more likely than men to experience violence from an intimate partner.
• Women are five times more likely than men to require medical attention or hospitalisation because of intimate partner violence, and five times more likely to report fearing for their lives.
• Of those women who experience violence, more than half have children in their care.
• Violence against women is not limited to the home or intimate relationships. Every year in Australia over 300,000 women experience violence - often sexual violence - from someone other than a partner.
• Eight out of ten women aged 18 to 24 were harassed on the street in the past year.
• Young women (18-24 years) experience significantly higher rates of physical and sexual violence than women in older age groups.
• Intimate partner violence contributes to more death, disability and illness in women aged 15 to 44 than any other preventable risk factor.
• Domestic or family violence against women is the single largest driver of homelessness for womena common factor in child protection notifications and results in a police officer call-out on average once every two minutes across the country.

Whilst the perpetrators of domestic and family violence are not only men, the reality is that men are very clearly the main offenders. As a Catholic School in the Edmund Rice Tradition that offers boys’ only education, this issue should be of importance to us. The warning signs can be evident from an early age and is often passed off as ‘boys being boys’ or something that is tolerated. This can lead to a young man believing that the behaviour is acceptable and it may amplify as he grows older. Some of the more recognised symptoms that may lead to later behaviour include:

• Physical abuse towards others such as pushing, shoving, slapping, punching etc;
• Threatening to hurt others or their friends, relatives etc;
• Damaging property or pets;
• Forcing others into a compromising position particularly sexual assaults;
• Demanding things such as money or possessions from others;
• Constantly criticising, humiliating or insulting others;
• Following others around without their consent or permission;
• Repeatedly contacting another person even after they have been asked to stop;
• Constantly doing things to others that may them feel uncomfortable or unsafe even after they have been asked to stop.

During this month, we will be putting regular signage around the College to increase the awareness of our young men regarding this issue. We have already adjusted the school laptop home screens and will raise the matter several different ways through our College assemblies. On Wednesday afternoon, Mr Kearney and I joined 10 of our Year 11 students in a march against domestic violence in the main street of Sandgate. It may also be an excellent topic for home. Depending on the age of each young man, of particular interest might be their thoughts on relationships with young women and how they might react to different situations when the relationship is in tension. The other frightening statistic is that at least 25% of students at schools are in families where domestic and family violence occurs. In such circumstances, it is important that the protective parent talk to the young person about how they are coping and seek external assistance as soon as possible, particularly if the person starts to normalise these behaviours.

Many of our Year 12 students participated in the KAIROS retreats from Sunday to Tuesday during this week. This is a very powerful experience for the young men and the staff whom attend. I have received some very heartfelt feedback from students and staff and I am sure that the experience was very challenging but a rewarding one.

This weekend we host St Laurence’s College at the College for Chess on Friday afternoon and at Curlew Park on Saturday. The College Leadership Team will be hosting a morning tea for all our mothers and the Year 5 students will perform outside the function room at 10:00am. This morning tea is for all parents and our chance to say thank you and catch up with any feedback that you may have for us. I look forward to meeting with many parents during this time.

At our Spirit Assembly in the first week of the term, I told our students that this term we have two clear aims in our co-curricular activities. These aims are:

1. To have the best sporting teams in the AIC competitions – teams where everyone enjoys themselves and tries as hard as they can; and
2. To have the best teams of sportsman in the AIC competition – all players demonstrated exemplary sportsmanship to the officials and opponents.

This weekend is our first home-game for the season and during the week we have spoken to the young men about hosting other players and families at our grounds. These expectations have also included wearing the correct uniform whilst supporting our teams as well as sportsmanship on the field and manners to all off the field. Every Tuesday, we hold our own College “judiciary hearings” dealing with matters including poor conduct with referees or being given “cards” during games. Unfortunately, students will often blame their behaviour as a reaction to the poor behaviour or actions of their opposition. We have been very clear with our young men that we have standards and everyone is expected to rise to these standards. We do not drop to the lower standards of poor behaviour of our opponents if that is the case, but model our own high standards. I would encourage all parents to remind their sons of this and as adults at the games, it is also incumbent on each of us to also model these standards to our young men.

I look forward to meeting with many parents at the Mother’s Day morning tea on Saturday.

God Bless

Mr Chris Mayes - College Principal

This week students in Years 5,7 and 9 students undertook the National Assessment Program Literacy and Numeracy (NAPLAN) tests. The tests were administered in classrooms for Years 5 and 7 and in the Christian Brother’s Building for Year 9. I would like to congratulate all students on the way they approached these exams. Across all three year levels, student application and attitude was first class.

External tests such as NAPLAN are an important instrument for us at the College. We have written a great deal about data informed decisions driving the structure of our school curriculum. Having data which shows us where the strengths and weaknesses of the students lie, allows for curriculum planners to design units of study which provide opportunities for students to excel or ensure that weaknesses are addressed.

Our data in recent years shows a consistent improvement across all year levels from year to year. A good example of our effective use of the data is in the area of reading. We are aware, through tests such as NAPLAN or ACER that here is work to do in this area. The whole school reading program continues both through the work of our external consultant, Mr Lindsay Williams, but also through teams of teachers who are incorporating reading strategies into lesson plans. The stronger our students become as readers, the greater our potential for sustained improvement.

Mr Chris Campbell - Dean of Teaching and Learning

“Compassion means putting someone else in the centre of my life” Br Philip Pinto cfc

This week has seen our Year 12 men engage in their Kairos Retreat Program. Kairos Retreats have been part of the makeup of Year 12, here at St Patrick’s College, since 2001. These retreats offer a great experience for the young men to encounter themselves and their relationships with new eyes, and whilst they are tiring, everyone involved comes back renewed. The College community is very grateful to the many staff, old boys and friends of the College who have contributed to making these experiences so significant for our young men. In particular, a huge debt of gratitude must go to Mrs Helen Righetti for all of her behind the scenes work to make the retreats possible. A big thank you to the staff who remained here at the College and kept the home fires burning.

Throughout this month of May we are marking Domestic and Family Violence Awareness Month, we are considering the traditional Catholic practice of recognising the place of Mary the Mother of Jesus in our community and we are also joining with the Edmund Rice Beyond Borders community to remember that “I am your neighbour”. Flowing through all of these events is the belief in compassion that is central to being a member of the St Patrick’s College community – we are a community that does compassion and sees it as essential to the ‘Man of Action’ that we are calling our young men to be.

Let us journey with our young men to help them be the best that they can be.

Mr Tim Kenny - Dean of Identity

As Mother’s Day approaches it’s worth remembering that it’s mothers and fathers, real women and men, who raise kids. Parenting is a managerial, twentieth century construct.

As we take time out this weekend to celebrate the significant women in our lives - our Mums, I wanted to share with you an interesting article from Michael Grose. 'Celebrate the Marvel of Motherhood, not Parenthood'

Wishing all of the significant women in the lives of our young men a wonderful Mother's Day.

Mr Darren Kearney - Dean of Students

It was a successful day last Saturday against SPLC College. Our Football and Rugby teams winning the aggregate points for the round. 1^st XI Football & 1^st XV Rugby also secured victories to continue their strong preseason/Round 1 form into the AIC competition. The Paddy’s Battalion, who always support all teams with enthusiasm, were present but were disappointed with the number of students participating. This week they have put out a challenge to our community to increase our numbers so we have extra support this weekend to cheer on all our competition teams. All teams are playing at home.

AIC Sport for Football and Rugby this weekend is against St Laurence’s College at Curlew Park. Although it’s not Back to Shorncliffe weekend numerous other activities have been planned for the day. Full home rounds are always an excellent opportunity for our community to come together and ‘Fight the Good Fight’. The highlight will be our Year 5’s performing a special presentation at 10am to their Mums for Mother’s Day along with our Mother’s Day Morning Tea, 9:00am – 11:00am.

Full canteen facilities will also be available on Saturday at Curlew Park. Last weekend Mr David Row our canteen coordinator was very appreciative of the excellent support received from the Year 5-8 parents. Many hands make light work! A request has already been sent for assistance this weekend. The canteen is particularly short of help later in the day after 12pm during the senior games. If you can assist by serving or cooking on the BBQ please drop in while your son is participating in his warm up activities.

Students must be correctly attired to compete for St Patrick’s College. Rugby shorts must be green not blue as was the case with a few senior players last Saturday. Students are also reminded to pack or wear their formal uniform to the game. Student and parent circumstances change throughout Saturday’s so the students should pack a formal uniform in case they decide to remain after competition games. This enables students to stay and be part of the Paddy’s Battalion during the later games. Students who arrive before warm up should be wearing formal uniform. Many players have a team rule to turn up in formal uniform which projects a real ideal of being a proud Paddy’s Boy.

Spectators are reminded that it is a safety regulation that everyone except match officials must remain behind the ‘red’ line adjacent to all playing field sidelines at Curlew Park. Thank you for your assistance in maintaining a safe playing environment for the players and match officials.

42 St Patrick’s Cross Country runners competed at the GPS meet at Nudgee College last Friday afternoon. The students have been training strongly over the last few weeks and are now testing themselves against tough opposition. Runners are reminded about the upcoming Sunshine Coast camp 17-19 June. Interested students must see Mr Alves as soon as possible.

Parents are reminded that weekly fixture venues and times are available on the sports specific pages on the St Patrick’s College APP under Co-curricular Activities.

Thank you to all parents for being diligent in arriving at Curlew Park promptly after 5pm to collect your son after training. The team coaches really appreciate this so they are able to depart quickly themselves to spend time with their families and evening commitments.

The Shorncliffe Shufflers are running this Sunday at 6:30am. Please meet in the plaza area ready to enjoy a 6 or 10 km run/walk. All abilities welcome.

Contacts for Trimester 2 Sport

• Rugby Coordinator Mr Ryan Schultz rschultz@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Football Coordinator Mr David Ludlow Daludlow@stpatricks.qld.edu.au
• Cross Country Mr Jackson Alves jalves@stpatricks.qld.edu.au

Outstanding Student Achievements

• Angus Wagner & Bayley Carter have been selected in the Metropolitan North U15 Australian Football team to contest the State Championships in late May. Congratulations!
• Declan Cashman & Kallum Leaver have been selected to represent Metropolitan North School Sport in the U19 Squash team to compete at the Scottvale Park Squash Centre, Rockhampton in late May. Well done!
• Cameron Boon & Masot Makuel have this week travelled to Cairns as part of the Metropolitan North U19 Basketball teams. The boys will compete at the State Championships. Good luck.
• Matthew Stride has been invited to train at the AIS in Canberra for a week to further develop his volleyball skills at the Junior Men's Development Program July Camp. Well done Matt!
• Brandon Merrick’s is a noted netball player. Recently his team placed second at the QLD titles. He was named in the QLD U18 squad to tour Victoria in July for the National titles.

Mr Doug Locke - Head of Sport

Art Club

• Junior Art Club: Thursday 3:15pm- 4:15pm, Christian Brothers Building in Room B1A2 (Ms Catalan)
• Senior Art Club: Friday 3:15pm - 4:15pm, Christian Brothers Building in Room B1A1 (Mr Royes)

Debating

St Patrick’s College’s Year 12 debaters split the difference in round 3 of QDU competition last Wednesday night, with the 12.1 team winning by three points against St John Fisher College and the 12.2 men losing by five points to Mountain Creek State High School.

The 12.1 team was led by a strong third speaker performance from Ethan Callaway on the negative side of the topic, “That gender-specific awards ceremony categories should be abolished.”

A brave performance from Ethan Green in the 12.2 debate was not enough as the side went down arguing the affirmative side of the same topic.

Debaters in both teams are to be publicly commended for a strong effort despite backing up for a short-preparation debate after the Kairos retreat and a practice QCS test earlier in the day. Champion efforts all round.

Both Year 9 teams will compete in their postponed Round 3 debate next Wednesday.

Year 9.1 are the Negative Tean and will verse Kedron State High School 9.2 at 8:15pm on 17 May 2017 at Albany Creek SHS
Topic: Short preparation debate

Year 9.2 are the Affirmative Team and will verse St John Fisher College 9.1 at 7:00pm on on 17 May 2017 at Albany Creek SHS. Topic: Short preparation debate

Mr Dennis Clough - Coordinator

Chess

Round Two saw the Chessmen travel to St Peter’s Lutheran College at Indooroopilly. This is a highly anticipated match as their college has a large chess contingent with 4 coaches.

Our team, coached by the incredible Mr Mark Stokes, came away with an resounding 52-28 win. Our First IV were particularly impressive with a 7 to 1 win. The St Peter's International Master Chess Coach Nik Stawski congratulated all of the Chessmen on their great performance and for playing the match in great spirit.

This weeks is our first home game of the season. We welcome St Laurence’s College on Friday afternoon in Waterford. A difficult team to beat and we are looking forward to the challenge.

Chess Club

Senior Chess Club will be held on Monday afternoon in the Library as Waterford is unavailable. Junior Chess Club on Tuesday will be in Waterford as usual.

SPC Chess – Play Well, Be Awesome

Mrs Rosemary Butt - Coordinator

College Musical Information

rehearsals will be at St Patrick’s College except for Saturday 20 May. If this

rehearsal is required it will take place at St John Fisher College.

• Matinee Performance: St Patrick’s College, 11.00am May 24th
• Evening Performances: St Patrick’s College, 7.00pm May 25th - 27^th

Mr Geoff Samuels - Head of Culture

College Music

Queensland Youth Music Awards – Reports

The Symphonic Band, String Ensemble and Junior String Ensemble performed at the Queensland Youth Music Awards on various days throughout week three this term. Each respective ensemble travelled by bus together to St Peter’s Lutheran College, stopping at MacDonald’s on the way for dinner of course! The other schools competing came from all over Queensland and the standard of all groups was extremely high. The Symphonic Band, led by Mr Kane McNally and the String Ensemble and Junior String Ensemble, led by Mrs Kelly Jensen, all came away with a Bronze Certificate. The boys also gained some very valuable experience performing in a beautiful concert hall, and had the great opportunity to listen to many other schools perform.

It was great to see such enthusiasm and eagerness from all boys involved. Thanks must also go to Brother Chris Pritchard, Mr Clint McGoldrick, Ms Kate Albury and parents Melinda Bell and Stephanie Jones for helping with the transportation of students and supervision on the day.

Best of luck to the rest of our ensembles competing in the awards! The Junior Concert Band is competing in Week 5 and the Young Voices in Week 7.

Music Tour 2017

The music staff at St Pats are very excited to announce our 2017 Music Tour. Ensembles involved will be the Symphonic Band, Big Band, String Ensemble, Young Voices and Singers. Students will travel to Currimundi on the 23^rd of June for three days, returning on Sunday the 25^th of June. Students will participate in a number of public performances, as well as rehearsals and recreational activities over the weekend.

Information about payment and further details has been sent to parents of students involved. Please remember to visit the parent portal to provide payment and indicate your sons availability. We would love to know asap if your son cannot attend. Please e-mail kjensen@stpatricks.qld.edu.au to let us know.

Mrs Kelly Jensen - Instrumental Music Coordinator

Theatresports - YTS Competition

Details for First Competition:

DATE: Monday 15 May

DESTINATION: SPC Waterford Drama Suites

TRANSPORT: Picked up by parent/ caregiver

TIME: 3.30 pm – 9.10 pm (afternoon tea before training)

DRESS: No inappropriate slogans (Team costume)

The team will train after school until 6.00 pm under the supervision of their coach and dinner will be provided.

All squad members are encouraged to attend the competition to support each other and get a feel for the competition.

Competition Dates:

• Monday 22 May at Southern Cross Catholic (Venue at Redcliffe SHS): 1 junior team
• Monday 5 June at Nudgee College: 1 junior team

Squad Training Days

• Monday: 7.30 am – 8.15 am (Mr McPhee)
• Tuesday: 3.15 pm – 4.15 pm (Miss Garside)
• Friday: 7.30 am – 8.15 am (Duncan Moir)

Mr Adam McPhee - Theatresports Coordinator

Cultural Support Group News

Entertainment Books

The new 2017 | 2018 Entertainment Books are HERE!

The Entertainment™ Book fundraising is off to a great start. Thank you to everyone who has placed an order. Orders that were placed over the holidays and the first few weeks of term are currently being sent out. Please check with your son if he has picked up your copy of the Entertainment Book.

Choose from the traditional Entertainment™ Book or the NEW Entertainment™ Digital Membership, which puts the value of the Book into your iPhone or Android smartphone!

Each membership has hundreds of 50% off and 2-for-1 offers for restaurants, cafés, attractions, hotels, shopping, groceries and travel and contain over 2,000 offers that you can use whenever you like until 1st June 2018.

PLUS we receive 20% of the price of every Membership sold which goes towards assisting the College's Cultural Programs!

If you have not placed your order for the new 2017|2018 Entertainment ™ Membership simply click here Order here

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Carmel Moir in the Cultural Office on 3631 9042.